Two cited for underage alcohol violations; anti-fake ID program planned for Harford schools

BRYNA ZUMER, bzumer@theaegis.com

Two people were cited by Harford County Liquor Control Board inspectors for infractions involving purchases of alcohol by or for minors, inspector Charlie Robbins reported Wednesday.

As part of the Cops in Shops program conducted last Friday night, a 43-year-old woman was cited for allegedlytrying to buy liquor for a 17-year-old boy at Campus Liquors in Churchville, Robbins said.

If found to have committed the violation, Annie P. Pratt, of the 300 block of Goldeneye Court in Havre de Grace, could be fined as much as $2,500, Robbins told board members during their meeting Wednesday.

A 19-year-old was cited for allegedly buying a bottle of vodka with a suspected fake ID at Beverage Barn Liquors in Abingdon, he said.

Alicia Rose Eichelberger, of the 900 block of Indian Landing Court in Millersville, allegedly had a fake Ohio license, Robbins said, and could be fined up to $500 if found to have committed the violation.

Both were issued civil citations, according to a liquor board staff member.

Also onthe underage drinking prevention front, Robbins said the liquor board plans to put up posters in all county high schools warning about the dangers of fake IDs.

Among those is a tip that fake ID websites sell a person's information to create false identities.

"You are paying someone to steal your identity," the poster says.

Robbins said he also hopes to go into high schools with a presentation to tell students more directly about the problems with underage drinking.

"We are finding middle-school kids with fake IDs," Robbins noted.

BBQ Bash, First Fridays

The organizers behind the Maryland BBQ Bash in Bel Air were approved for their one-day licenses for the weekend of Aug. 9, as were several other businesses requesting First Friday licenses, during Wednesday's liquor board hearing.

Scott Walker, of the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, said the BBQ Bash would have the same format as it did last year, with a beer-and-wine garden and two beer trucks with two lines.

A tent would be barricaded outside to make sure people have to pass a volunteer who will be checking IDs.

Walker estimated the bash draws about 25,000 people over the course of two days, although he could not say exactly how many of them buy alcohol.

Vernon Gauss noted that is "a considerable amount."

Joseph Lertch III, of Vineyard Wine Bar in Havre de Grace, was approved to hold a small beer-and-wine garden outside for First Fridays, a first for the upscale wine bar.

Lertch said the area will be fenced off with a designated person to check IDs. It will feature a limited beer and wine menu and limited food menu.

Chairwoman Sandi Tunney warned him to just be vigilant about carding.

Laurrapin Grille, Coakley's Pub, Rodgers House Tavern and MacGregor's Restaurant were also all approved for First Friday alcohol permits.

Events canceled, delayed

The county's Farm Fair had planned a Food and Wine Fiesta once again, but has canceled that this year because of scheduling problems, Robbins said.

He said the fair organizers hope to put it on next year.

A Wounded Warriors event that had been set for Saturday by Aberdeen's VFW post was also canceled because the group did not have time to get it planned.

Bill Lewis remained as the liquor licensee at Mountain Branch Golf Course after Michael Zink resigned, and the Maryland Golf & Country Clubs added three new licensees: Richard Simone, Mark Crane and Bruce Portell.

One-day beer and wine licenses were also approved for a First Friday event by Bel Air Downtown Alliance on Aug. 2; an art reception by Havre de Grace Main Street on Aug. 2; a class reunion by Bel Air High School on Aug. 9; the Jazz at the Manor event by Women's Challenge Inc. on Aug. 9; a crab feast and auction at St. Ignatius Church on Aug. 11; and a Girls' Night Out event by Bel Air Downtown Alliance on Aug. 15.